What is the Difference Between Pseudomonas Aeruginosa and Alcaligenes Fecalis?

Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Alcaligenes fecalis are both gram-negative, rod-shaped, aerobic bacteria belonging to the phylum Proteobacteria. However, there are several differences between the two:

1. Family: Pseudomonas aeruginosa belongs to the family of Pseudomonadaceae, while Alcaligenes fecalis belongs to a different family.
2. Pathogenicity: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen in both humans and plants, and is highly pathogenic. In contrast, Alcaligenes fecalis is generally non-pathogenic and less virulent.
3. Hemolysis: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a beta-hemolytic encapsulated bacterium, while Alcaligenes fecalis is an alpha-hemolytic non-encapsulated bacterium.
4. Antibiotic Resistance: Alcaligenes faecalis infections are often difficult to treat due to increased resistance to several antibiotics, such as anti-pseudomonas penicillin. Extensively drug-resistant Alcaligenes faecalis infections have been reported.
5. Infection Sites: The most frequent Alcaligenes faecalis infection sites, in order, are the bloodstream, urinary tract, skin and soft tissue, and middle ear.
6. Biochemical Tests: Biochemical tests such as urea hydrolysis test and nitrate reduction test can be used to differentiate between Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Alcaligenes fecalis.

Comparative Table: Pseudomonas Aeruginosa vs Alcaligenes Fecalis

Here is a table comparing Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Alcaligenes fecalis:

Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Alcaligenes fecalis are both Gram-negative, rod-shaped, and aerobic bacteria. They belong to the phylum Proteobacteria, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa belonging to the family Pseudomonadaceae and Alcaligenes fecalis belonging to the family Alcaligenaceae. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a beta-hemolytic encapsulated bacterium, while Alcaligenes fecalis is an alpha-hemolytic non-encapsulated bacterium. Both bacteria are considered opportunistic pathogens, but Pseudomonas aeruginosa is highly pathogenic, whereas Alcaligenes fecalis is generally less pathogenic.